dorns
To the last blossom, and she stands again
The winter-naked scare-crow that she was!

CAPT.
I know not what to do, nor what to say,
With all this dreaming; I begin to doubt
They have driv'n him mad indeed, and he and we
Are lost together.

A SOLDIER (to Captain).
Stay, stay; I remember--
Hark in your ear a moment.
(Whispers.)

CAPT.
So--so--so?--
Oh, now indeed I do not wonder, sir,
Your senses dazzle under practices
Which treason, shrinking from its own device,
Would now persuade you only was a dream;
But waking was as absolute as this
You wake in now, as some who saw you then,
Prince as you were and are, can testify:
Not only saw, but under false allegiance
Laid hands upon--

SOLDIER 1.
I, to my shame!

SOLDIER 2.
And I!

CAPT.
Who, to wipe out that shame, have been the first
To stir and lead us--Hark!
(Shouts, trumpets, etc.)

A SOLDIER.
Our forces, sir,
Challenging King Basilio's, now in sight,
And bearing down upon us.

CAPT.
Sir, you hear;
A little hesitation and delay,
And all is lost--your own right, and the lives
Of those who now maintain it at that cost;
With you all saved and won; without, all lost.
That former recognition of your right
Grant but a dream, if you will have it so;
Great things forecast themselves by shadows great:
Or will you have it, this like that dream too,
People, and place, and time itself, all dream
Yet, being in't, and as the shadows come
Quicker and thicker than you can escape,
Adopt your visionary soldiery,
Who, having struck a solid chain away,
Now put an airy sword into your hand,
And harnessing you piece-meal till you stand
Amidst us all complete in glittering,
If unsubstantial, steel--

ROSAURA (without).
The Prince! The Prince!

CAPT.
Who calls for him?

SOL.
The Page who spurr'd us hither,
And now, dismounted from a foaming horse--

(Enter Rosaura)

ROSAURA.
Where is--but where I need no further ask
Where the majestic presence, all in arms,
Mutely proclaims and vindicates himself.

FIFE.
My darling Lady-lord--

ROS.
My own good Fife,
Keep to my side--and silence!--Oh, my Lord,
F